David Bedingham revived South Africa's second innings in Paarl with a well-constructed 131 to give them a chance of levelling the series against England after Oli Stone had threatened to run through the home side.

His innings, alongside valuable support from Shaylin Pillay (63) and Vassilli Orros (50 not out), enabled South Africa to declare before the end of the third day and set England 318 for victory. At the close they had survived intact to reach 31 without loss and set up a fascinating final day.

Bedingham's innings was all the more commendable for the situation it came from. Stone, England's captain, had continued his outstanding match with two early wickets to leave South Africa 25 for 4. At one stage Stone had figures of 4 for 6 from 10 overs, but when he left the attack life became a little easier.

Pillay and Bedingham began the recovery with a stand 94 before Stone's return to the action brought another scalp when Pillay was caught behind. Bedingham was joined by Clyde Fortuin and the pair added a further 82 for the sixth wicket.

Stone continued his one-man show by claiming Fortuin to make it six out of six to give him an outside chance of all 10 wickets. Shortly afterwards Bedingham reached his hundred by driving Stone through the covers and another valuable stand followed until someone else, this time Josh Shaw, finally removed Bedingham for 131.

South Africa's lower order, led by Orros, increased the scoring rate as they eyed a declaration and he added 56 in eight overs with Jan Frylinck to set up a quick dart at the England openers.